Equipment cabinet and associated methods

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to equipment cabinets for customized improved cable management and airflow management. The equipment cabinets include a frame structure. The frame structure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frame assembly. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets include a chimney assembly. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets include a slidable vertical rail. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets include a rotatable top panel. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets include a condition monitoring assembly. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets include a reinforced corner construction. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets include divider panels capable of being split. Embodiments are also directed to methods of equipment cabinet assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation application claiming prioritybenefit to a U.S. non-provisional application entitled “EquipmentCabinet and Associated Methods,” which was filed on Apr. 8, 2016 andassigned Ser. No. 15/094,047, and which claimed priority benefit to aprovisional patent application entitled “Equipment Cabinet andAssociated Methods,” which was filed on Apr. 9, 2015, and assigned Ser.No. 62/145,063. The entire contents of the foregoing non-provisional andprovisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to equipment cabinets and associatedmethods and, more particularly, to equipment cabinets that provideadvanced airflow and cable management.

BACKGROUND

In general, commercial buildings require an effective and efficienttelecommunications or data center infrastructure to support the widevariety of services that rely on the transport of information.Typically, wiring systems within buildings are terminated at a locationwhere they may be interconnected with one another and/or to othercabling systems or telecommunications equipment. Cables are oftenterminated on wire panels or patch panels which can be mounted withincabinets or to some other location/structure.

In general, many rows of cabinets typically fill a data center ortelecommunications room. Patch panels affixed to a cabinet and/or a wallof a telecommunications room provide convenient access totelecommunication devices (e.g., servers) within the cabinet or room. Asthe demand for the use of telecommunication devices grows, space forsuch devices becomes limited and/or expensive. In particular, thecabinets typically used in the telecommunications industry or in datacenters offer limited variability in structure to accommodate differentcable management needs. In addition, due to the growth in data centerequipment stored in cabinets, an increase in heat emitted from the datacenter equipment occurs, requiring additional airflow management.

Thus, a need exists for equipment cabinets that provide improvedvariability for cable management and heat dissipation. These and otherneeds are addressed by the equipment cabinets and associated methods ofthe present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplaryequipment cabinets are provided that include a frame structure. Theframe structure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frameassembly. The equipment cabinets can include a chimney assembly. Thechimney assembly can include a first section and a second section thatdefine a passage therethrough. The first section of the chimney assemblycan be mountable to the top frame assembly of the frame structure. Thesecond section can be slidably movable relative to the first section toextend the passage formed by the first and second sections of thechimney assembly.

The chimney assembly can include a base section. The first section canbe mountable to the top frame assembly with the base section. The firstsection of the chimney assembly can include a vertical guide defining apassage therein. A nut can be slidably disposed within the passage. Thesecond section of the chimney assembly can include a fastener configuredto mate with the nut of the first section to maintain a position of thesecond section relative to the first section. The second section of thechimney assembly can be concentrically disposed over the first sectionof the chimney assembly.

In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets can include a divider panelconfigured to be detachably secured to the frame structure to separatean enclosure formed by the frame structure. In some embodiments, thedivider panel can include a vertical joint along which the divider panelcan be split. In some embodiments, the divider panel can include ahorizontal joint along which the divider panel can be split. In someembodiments, the equipment cabinets can include an airflow baffledisposed at or near the bottom frame assembly configured to guideairflow into the passage formed by the first and second sections of thechimney assembly.

In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets can include horizontal railsmounted to the top frame assembly and the bottom frame assembly. Theequipment cabinets can include a vertical rail assembly mechanicallyconnected to the horizontal rails. The vertical rail assembly can beslidable along the horizontal rails in an unloaded configuration. Uponbeing loaded, the vertical rail assembly can be automatically andmechanically prevented from sliding along the horizontal rails.

In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets can include an interlockingframe section formed in or mounted to the top frame assembly. Theequipment cabinets can include a top panel configured and dimensioned todetachably interlock to the interlocking frame sections. In a firstconfiguration, the top panel can be positioned in a first orientationand detachably interlocked with the interlocking frame sections to covera first half of an opening formed by the top frame assembly. In a secondconfiguration, the top panel can be rotated from the first orientationinto a second orientation and detachably interlocked with theinterlocking frame sections to cover a second half of the opening formedby the top frame assembly.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of equipment cabinet assembly are provided. The methods includeproviding an equipment cabinet as described herein. The methods includemounting the first section of the chimney assembly to the top frameassembly of the frame structure. The methods further include slidablymoving the second section relative to the first section to extend thepassage formed by the first and second sections of the chimney assembly.

The methods include concentrically positioning the second sectionrelative to the first section of the chimney assembly. The methods caninclude maintaining a position of the second section relative to thefirst section with a fastener of the second section. The fastener can beconfigured to mate with a nut in a passage of a vertical channel of thefirst section.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplaryequipment cabinets are provided that include a frame structure. Theframe structure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frameassembly. The equipment cabinets can include horizontal rails mounted tothe top frame assembly and the bottom frame assembly. The equipmentcabinets further include a vertical rail assembly mechanically connectedto the horizontal rails. The vertical rail assembly can be slidablealong the horizontal rails in an unloaded configuration. Upon beingloaded with a predetermined weight (e.g., with equipment), the verticalrail assembly can be automatically and mechanically prevented fromsliding along the horizontal rails.

In the unloaded configuration, a bottom surface of the vertical railassembly can be vertically spaced from the bottom frame assembly by agap. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the vertical railassembly can be vertically spaced from the bottom frame assembly by adistance of at least approximately 0.31 inches. Upon being loaded withthe predetermined weight, the vertical rail assembly can drop downwardto position the bottom surface of the vertical rail assembly against thebottom frame assembly to automatically and mechanically prevent slidingof the vertical rail assembly along the horizontal rails (e.g., due tofriction). The bottom frame assembly can thereby provide support for thevertical rail assembly in a loaded configuration.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of equipment cabinet assembly are provided that includeproviding the equipment cabinet as described herein. The methods includesliding the vertical rail assembly along the horizontal rails in anunloaded configuration to customize the position of the vertical railassembly. The methods include loading the vertical rail assembly with apredetermined weight to automatically prevent the vertical rail assemblyfrom sliding along the horizontal rails.

The methods can include maintaining a bottom surface of the verticalrail assembly vertically spaced from the bottom frame assembly in theunloaded configuration. The methods can include downwardly dropping ormoving the vertical rail assembly to position the bottom surface of thevertical rail assembly against the bottom frame assembly toautomatically prevent sliding of the vertical rail assembly along thehorizontal rails upon loading the vertical rail assembly with thepredetermined weight.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplaryequipment cabinets are provided that include a frame structure. Theframe structure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frameassembly. The equipment cabinets can include interlocking frame sectionsformed in or mounted to the top frame assembly. The equipment cabinetscan include a top panel configured and dimensioned to detachablyinterlock to the interlocking frame sections. In a first configuration,the top panel can be positioned in a first orientation and detachablyinterlocked with the interlocking frame sections to cover a first halfof an opening formed by the top frame assembly. In a secondconfiguration, the top panel can be rotated from the first orientationinto a second orientation (e.g., approximately 180 degrees) anddetachably interlocked with the interlocking frame sections to cover asecond half of the opening formed by the top frame assembly.

Each of the interlocking frame sections can include a first centralguide and a second central guide including inlet ends and innerendpoints. The inner endpoints of the first and second central guidescan be oriented to face each other and a central portion of theinterlocking frame sections. Each of the interlocking frame sections caninclude a first endpoint guide and a second endpoint guide includinginlet ends and inner endpoints. The inner endpoints of the first andsecond endpoint guides can be oriented to face away from each other andfrom a central portion of the interlocking frame members.

The top panel can include an outer edge, an inner edge, a first sideedge, and a second side edge. The top panel includes a non-depressiblepin extending from each of the first and second side edges spaced fromand adjacent to the inner edge. The top panel includes a depressible pinextending from each of the first and second side edges spaced from andadjacent to the outer edge. In some embodiments, the top panel includesa grommet including elongated members separated by perforations. Each ofthe elongated members can be adapted for being individually separatedfrom the grommet along the perforations to create customized openingsfor cable passage.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of equipment cabinet assembly are provided that includeproviding an equipment cabinet as described herein. In a firstconfiguration, the methods include positioning the top panel in a firstorientation and detachably interlocking the top panel with theinterlocking frame sections to cover a first half of an opening formedby the top frame assembly. In a second configuration, the methodsinclude rotating the top panel from the first orientation into a secondorientation and detachably interlocking the top panel with theinterlocking frame sections to cover a second half of the opening formedby the top frame assembly.

The methods can include interlocking the non-depressible pins with thefirst central guides of the interlocking frame sections. The methods caninclude depressing the depressible pins and interlocking the depressiblepins with the first endpoint guides of the interlocking frame sections.The methods can include individually separating elongated members of agrommet of the top panel to create customized openings in the top panel.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplaryequipment cabinets are provided that include a frame structure. Theframe structure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frameassembly. The equipment cabinets include a sensor disposed within anenclosure formed by the frame structure. The equipment cabinets includea condition monitoring assembly. The condition monitoring assembly canbe communicatively connected or linked to the sensor. The sensor candetect a condition within the enclosure and transmits a signalrepresentative of the detected condition to the condition monitoringassembly. The condition monitoring assembly can provide a visualindication representative of the detected condition.

The sensor can be at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressuresensor, a humidity sensor, or the like. The condition within theenclosure can be at least one of a temperature level, a pressure level,a humidity level, or the like. It should be understood that the sensorcan measure alternative or additional conditions within the cabinet.

The condition monitoring assembly can include a housing and a printedcircuit board disposed within the housing. The printed circuit board caninclude a light emitting member configured to be actuated for providingthe visual indication of the detected condition. The light emittingmember can be configured to emit different colors based on a status ofthe detected condition. The light emitting member can be configured toemit different patterns of light based on a status of the detectedcondition. In some embodiments, the light emitting member can act as abacklight for the condition monitoring assembly. In some embodiments,the condition monitoring assembly can include an opening in a frontcover through which light from the light emitting member is visualized.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of monitoring a condition of an equipment cabinet are providedthat include providing the equipment cabinet as described herein. Themethods include detecting a condition within the enclosure with thesensor. The methods include transmitting a signal representative of thedetected condition to the condition monitoring assembly The methodsinclude providing a visual indication representative of the detectedcondition with the condition monitoring assembly.

In some embodiments, the methods can include emitting one or more lightswith a light emitting member within the condition monitoring assembly asthe visual indication of the detected condition. In some embodiments,the methods can include emitting one or more light patterns with a lightemitting member within the condition monitoring assembly as the visualindication of the detected condition.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplaryequipment cabinets are provide that include a frame structure. The framestructure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frame assembly. Thebottom frame assembly includes a first inner corner and a second innercorner. The equipment cabinets include a plate disposed in the firstinner corner of the bottom frame assembly. The plate can becomplementary in shape to the shape of the first inner corner of thebottom frame assembly. The plate can be secured, e.g., welded, or thelike, to the bottom frame assembly at the first inner corner toreinforce the frame structure.

The bottom frame assembly and the plate can include complementary weldopenings formed therein. The weld opening of the plate can bedimensioned greater than the weld opening of the bottom frame assemblyto allow for a stronger weld between the two components. The equipmentcabinet can include a cross member extending along an inner surface ofthe bottom frame assembly. The cross member can include a flangeextending from an elongated body. The flange can be complementary inshape to the shape of the second inner corner of the bottom frameassembly. The flange of the cross member can be secured, e.g., welded,or the like, to the bottom frame assembly at the second inner corner toreinforce the frame structure.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of equipment cabinet assembly are provided that includeproviding the equipment cabinet as described herein. The methods includedisposing the plate in the first inner corner of the bottom frameassembly. The methods include securing, e.g., welding, the plate to thebottom frame assembly at the first inner corner to reinforce the framestructure. In some embodiments, the methods include a flange of a crossmember to the bottom frame assembly at the second inner corner toreinforce the frame structure.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplaryequipment cabinets are provided that include a frame structure. Theframe structure includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frameassembly. The frame structure can define an enclosure. The equipmentcabinets include a divider panel configured to be detachably secured tothe frame structure to separate the enclosure. The divider panel caninclude at least one of a vertical joint or a horizontal joint alongwhich the divider panel can be split.

The divider panel can include one or more interlocking mechanisms alongat least one of the vertical joint or the horizontal joint for splittingand joining the divider panel along the vertical joint or the horizontaljoint. In some embodiments, the divider panel can include knockoutsconfigured to be removed from the divider panel. In some embodiments,the divider panel can include perforations along all or a portion of thedivider panel adapted for passage of airflow therethrough.

In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets can include a side panelconfigured and dimensioned to be detachably secured to a side of theframe structure to enclose the enclosure. The side panel can include avertical joint, a horizontal joint, or both, along which the side panelcan be split. In some embodiments, the equipment cabinets can includeinsulating material attached to an inner surface of the side panel. Insome embodiments, the equipment cabinets can include a door assemblyincluding a door structure and insulating material attached to an innersurface of the door structure.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of equipment cabinet assembly are provided that includeproviding the equipment cabinet as described herein. The methods includedetachably securing the divider panel to the frame structure to separatethe enclosure. The methods can include splitting the divider panel alongthe vertical joint and/or the horizontal joint to create a sharedportion of the enclosure while maintaining a separated portion of theenclosure with a remaining divider panel half.

Any combination or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Additionaladvantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosedmethods and assemblies of the present disclosure will be apparent fromthe description which follows, particularly when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. It is to be understood, however, that thedrawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition ofthe limits of the invention. All references listed in this disclosureare hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not necessarilydepicted to scale.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further describedwith reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that thevarious steps, features and combinations of steps/features describedbelow and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organizeddifferently to result in embodiments which are still within the scope ofthe present disclosure. To assist those of ordinary skill in the art inmaking and using the disclosed equipment cabinets and associatedmethods, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary equipment cabinet accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chimney assembly of an exemplaryequipment cabinet in a retracted position according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a chimney assembly of an exemplaryequipment cabinet in an extended position according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a detailed, perspective view of a chimney assembly of anexemplary equipment cabinet in an extended position according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a front corner assembly of anexemplary equipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a front corner assembly of an exemplaryequipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of a rear corner assembly of anexemplary equipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a divider panel of an exemplaryequipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a side panel of an exemplary equipmentcabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a door assembly of anexemplary equipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rail assembly of an exemplaryequipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a rail assembly of an exemplary equipmentcabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a condition monitoring assembly of anexemplary equipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of a condition monitoringassembly of an exemplary equipment cabinet according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of a condition monitoringassembly of an exemplary equipment cabinet according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly of an exemplaryequipment cabinet according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly with a top panelof an exemplary equipment cabinet in a disassembled configurationaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly with a top panelof an exemplary equipment cabinet in a disassembled configurationaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly with a top panelof an exemplary equipment cabinet in a partially assembled configurationaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly with a top panelof an exemplary equipment cabinet in a partially assembled configurationaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a bottom, perspective view of a top frame assembly with a toppanel of an exemplary equipment cabinet in a partially assembledconfiguration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly with a top panelof an exemplary equipment cabinet in an assembled configurationaccording to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a top frame assembly with a top panelof an exemplary equipment cabinet in an assembled configurationaccording to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative ofadvantageous equipment cabinets that provide for advanced variabilityfor cable management and heat dissipation within the equipment cabinets.In particular, the equipment cabinets allow for variability in thestructure of the cabinets based on the cable management needs. Inaddition, the equipment cabinets include features for ventilation orcooling of equipment disposed in the cabinets. The equipment cabinetsare also structured to meet the typical regulations for cabinets orinformation technology (IT) cabinets, and provide reinforcement incritical areas. Although discussed herein with respect to cabinets, itshould be understood that at least some of the features and/orstructures discussed herein can also be utilized with respect toequipment racks.

With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an exemplary equipmentcabinet 100 (hereinafter “cabinet 100”) is provided. The cabinet 100includes a frame structure 102 that includes a bottom frame assembly 104and a top frame assembly 106. The bottom and top frame assemblies 104,106 can be structurally connected to each other with vertical framemembers, e.g., front vertical frame members 108, 110 and rear verticalframe members 112, 114. It should be understood that the bottom frameassembly 104 can be positioned against a supporting surface, e.g., afloor, padding, or the like, in an equipment room.

The bottom frame assembly 104 includes a front bottom frame member 116,a rear bottom frame member 118, a first side bottom frame member 120,and a second side bottom frame member 122. The front, rear, first side,and second side bottom frame members 116-122 can be secured to the frontand rear vertical frame members 108-114 such that the frame members108-122 uniformly contact the supporting surface in the equipment room.The top frame assembly 106 includes a front top frame member 124, a reartop frame member 126, a first side top frame member 128, and a secondside top frame member 130. The front, rear, first side, and second sidetop frame members 124-130 can be secured to the front and rear verticalframe members 108-114 such that the frame members 108-114, 124-130define a uniform top surface perimeter of the cabinet 100. The bottomframe assembly 104 can include front corner assemblies 194 at theinterconnection of the front bottom frame member 116 and the first andsecond side bottom frame members 120, 122. The bottom frame assembly 104can include rear corner assemblies 196 at the interconnection of therear bottom frame member 118 and the first and second side bottom framemembers 120, 122.

The enclosure 132 defined by the bottom and top frame assemblies 104,106 and the front and rear vertical frame members 108-114 can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive equipment, e.g.,telecommunications equipment, or the like, therein. In some embodiments,the frame structure 102 of the cabinet 100 can be fabricated from formedand welded steel of various gauges. In some embodiments, the framestructure 102 can be fully welded with the vertical frame members108-114 (e.g., uprights) of 12 gauge steel.

In some embodiments, the cabinet 100 can include an airflow baffle 134mounted to or near the bottom frame assembly 104. The airflow baffle 134can assist in guiding airflow passing through the cabinet 100 forcooling the equipment stored therein. In some embodiments, the cabinet100 can include one or more top panels 136. In some embodiments, thecabinet 100 can include a chimney assembly 138. The exemplary featuresassociated with the cabinet 100 will be described in greater detailbelow. It should be understood that all of the exemplary features can beincluded in the cabinet 100, the cabinet 100 can include only one of theexemplary features, or the cabinet 100 can include various combinationsof the exemplary features.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, perspective views of an exemplary chimneyassembly 138 of the cabinet 100 are provided. In particular, FIG. 2shows the chimney assembly 138 in a retracted position, FIG. 3 shows thechimney assembly 138 in an extended position, and FIG. 4 shows apartially exploded view of the chimney assembly 138. Traditionalchimneys for equipment cabinets generally include multiple componentsand require extended installation times with multiple tools and two ormore installers. In contrast, the exemplary chimney assembly 138provides a ventilation system for the cabinet 100 that can be installedwith minimal effort and can be vertically adjusted without externaltools.

The chimney assembly 138 includes a base section 140, a first middlesection 142, and a second middle section 144 (e.g., an extensionsection). In some embodiments, the base section 140, the first middlesection 142, and the second middle section 144 can be fabricated fromsteel. The base section 140 includes a front wall 146, a rear wall 148,a first side wall 150, and a second side wall 152. In some embodiments,two or more of the walls 146-152 can be angled relative to the first andsecond middle sections 142, 144. In some embodiments, each of the walls146-152 can be substantially parallel relative to the first and secondmiddle sections 142, 144. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4,the front, rear and first side walls 146-150 can be substantiallyparallel to the first and second middle sections 142, 144, and thesecond side wall 152 can be angled relative to the first and secondmiddle sections 142, 144. The walls 146-152 of the base section 140 candefine a passage therebetween for air ventilation from the cabinet 100.In particular, the bottom of the base section 140 can be open to theenclosure 132 of the cabinet 100 such that airflow passing through thecabinet 100 can be ventilated out through the chimney assembly 138.

The base section 140 further includes a flange 154 extending from bottomperimeter of the walls 146-152. The flange 154 includes a plurality ofapertures 156 formed therein for mounting and securing the base section140 of the chimney assembly 138 to cabinet 100 with fastening members,e.g., screws, or the like. (See, e.g., FIG. 1). In particular, theflange 154 can be secured to, e.g., the front frame member 124, the rearframe member 126, the first side frame member 128, the second side framemember 130, combinations thereof, or the like.

The base section 140 can be fixedly secured to the first middle section142. The first middle section 142 includes a front wall 156, a rear wall158, a first side wall 160, and a second side wall 162. The walls156-162 can be secured relative to each other and can extend in asubstantially parallel direction to define a square or rectangularpassage 164 that allows removal of heat and ventilated air from thecabinet 100. The front wall 156 (and, in some embodiments, the rear wall158, the first side wall 160, and/or the second side wall 162) caninclude one or more fastening assemblies 159. Each fastening assembly159 can include a vertical slot or channel 166 formed in the front wall156 and extending along a portion of the height of the front wall 156.The channels 166 can be configured and dimensioned to receive a threadedextension 168 of a fastener 170, e.g., a threaded knob, therethrough. Insome embodiments, the fastener 170 can be an over-molded threaded bolt.

On the inner surface of the front wall 156 and within the passage 164,the fastening assembly 159 can include a vertical guide 172corresponding to the respective vertical channel 166. The vertical guide172 can define a housing configured and dimensioned to slidably receivetherein a nut 174, e.g., a spring-loaded nut. In particular, thevertical guide 172 can define a passage in which the nut 174 can slidealong a vertical direction.

The second middle section 144 (e.g., an extension section) includes afront wall 176, a rear wall 178, a first side wall 180, and a secondside wall 182. The walls 176-182 can be secured relative to each otherand can extend in a substantially parallel direction to define a squareor rectangular passage 184 that allows removal of heat and ventilatedair from the cabinet 100. The second middle section 144 can bedimensioned slightly bigger than the first middle section 142 such thatthe second middle section 144 can be slid over the first middle section142. In particular, the second middle section 144 can fit over the firstmiddle section 142 and can be slidably positioned relative to the firstmiddle section 142 in a vertical direction between a retracted position(see, e.g., FIG. 2) and an extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 3). Themovable and variable extension of the second middle portion 144 allowsthe chimney assembly 138 to be adjusted and customized for differentventilation systems, e.g., ventilation systems or ceilings of differentheights. In some embodiments, a substantially air-tight connection canbe formed between the overlapping portions of the first and secondmiddle sections 142, 144 to ensure that all or the majority of theventilated air is passed through the passages 164, 184 and does notescape into the equipment room.

The front wall 176 includes one or more openings 186 formed thereinconfigured and dimensioned to receive therethrough the extension 168 ofthe fastener 170. The opening 186 can be formed in the front wall 176 ina position offset from the bottom surface of the second middle section144. During assembly, the nuts 174 can be positioned within the verticalguides 172, the second middle section 144 can be slid over the firstmiddle section 142, and the threaded extension 168 of the fasteners 170can be passed through the openings 186 and into the threaded openings188 of the nuts 174. The fastener 170 can be rotated to mate with thenut 174 to fixate the second middle section 144 to the first middlesection 142. To adjust the position of the second middle section 144relative to the first middle section 142, the fastener 170 can bepartially loosened from the nut 174, the second middle section 144 canbe slid upwards to the desired extension (while simultaneously slidingthe nut 174 within the vertical guide 172), and the fastener 170 can betightened to the nut 174 to fixate the second middle section 144 to thefirst middle section 142. In some embodiments, the nut 174 can bespring-loaded such that pulling outwardly on the fastener 170 disengagesthe nut 174 within the vertical guide 172 to allow movement of thesecond middle section 144, and releasing the fastener 170 engages thenut 174 within the vertical guide 172 to prevent movement of the secondmiddle section 144. The extension of the chimney assembly 138 canthereby be adjusted in a fast and convenient manner without additionaltools. As an example, FIG. 2 shows the chimney assembly 138 with thesecond middle section 144 in a retracted or non-extended position, andFIG. 3 shows the chimney assembly 138 with the second middle section 144in an extended position.

In some embodiments, one or more of the walls 176-182 of the secondmiddle section 144 can include a flange 190, e.g., a handle, extendingat an angle or perpendicularly from a bottom edge. The flange 190 can beused to assist in sliding the second middle section 144 along a verticaldirection relative to the first middle section 142 by providing a gripfor the user against which pressure can be applied. In some embodiments,the walls 176-182 of the second middle section 144 can include a seal192, e.g., a rubber seal, a foam seal, or the like, attached theretoalong the top perimeter edge. The seal 192 can assist in creating asubstantially air-tight seal between the chimney assembly 138 andexternal equipment, e.g., a duct, against which the second middlesection 144 is positioned to vent the air from the cabinet 100. In someembodiments, the airflow baffle 134 positioned on or near the rearbottom frame member 118 can guide the airflow passing through thecabinet 100 in the direction of the chimney assembly 138. The airflowbaffle 134 can facilitate airflow and prevent air turbulence at thebottom of the cabinet 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, exemplary front and rear corner assemblies194, 196 of the cabinet 100 are provided. In particular, FIGS. 5 and 6show perspective and top views of the front corner assembly 194 of thebottom frame assembly 104, and FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of therear corner assembly 196 of the bottom frame assembly 104. With respectto FIGS. 5 and 6, the front bottom frame member 116 includes a bottomhorizontal portion 198 and a vertical flange 200 extending from an inneredge of the bottom horizontal portion 198. The vertical flange 200 canextend perpendicularly from the bottom horizontal portion 198. The frontbottom frame member 116 further includes a horizontal flange 202extending perpendicularly from the vertical flange 200.

The vertical flange 200 can extend a partial distance along the width ofthe front bottom frame member 116. The horizontal flange 202 can alsoextend a partial distance along the width of the front bottom framemember 116. In particular, the horizontal flange 202 can extend adistance along the width of the front bottom frame member 116dimensioned between the width of the front bottom frame member 116 andthe vertical flange 200. Specifically, the width of the horizontalflange 202 can be greater than the vertical flange 200 and shorter thanthe front bottom frame member 202. The horizontal flange 202 can extendin a direction parallel to the bottom horizontal portion 198. Thedifferently dimensioned horizontal flange 202 relative to the bottomhorizontal portion 198 and the vertical flange 200 can form an elongatedopening or slot 204. The slot 204 can be configured and dimensioned toreceive partially therethrough a portion of a cross member 206.

The cross member 206 includes an elongated body 208, e.g., a middleportion, with a front flange or plate 210 extending from a front bottomedge of the elongated body 208. In particular, the elongated body 208can form a step 212 upwards from the plate 210. The plate 210 can definea substantially rectangular and planar extension that can be configuredand dimensioned to be at least partially passed through the slot 204 ofthe front bottom frame member 116. The plate 210 and the bottomhorizontal portion 198 can include complementary weld openings 214, 216formed therein. In some embodiments, the plate 210 and the bottomhorizontal portion 198 can include complementary circular openings 218,220 formed therein between the weld openings 214, 216 and the junctionof the front bottom frame member 116 and the second side bottom member122.

In some embodiments, the weld openings 214, 216 can include a circularcentral portion 222, 224 and two or more radially extending slots 226,228. In some embodiments, the weld openings 214, 216 can be dimensionedsubstantially similarly. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,the weld opening 214 of the bottom horizontal portion 198 can bedimensioned smaller than the weld opening 216 of the plate 210. Thelarger weld opening 216 of the plate 210 can thereby expose at least aportion of the surface of the bottom horizontal portion 198 surroundingthe weld opening 214 to allow for improved welding therebetween.

During assembly, the plate 210 can be positioned onto the bottomhorizontal portion 198 such that the weld openings 214, 216 are alignedrelative to each other. A weld nut 230 can penetrate both the bottomhorizontal portion 198 and the plate 210 through the weld openings 214,216 (e.g., a double hull structure). As the weld nut 230 is melted, thebead formed from the weld nut 230 can pass through the larger weldopening 216, thereby extending the bead to the bottom horizontal portion198 and the plate 210. The formation of the bead through the larger weldopening 216 allows chemical bonding between the surfaces of both thebottom horizontal portion 198 and the plate 210, creating a stronger andreinforced weld. The plate 210 further acts as a secondary reinforcementplate that reinforces the front corner assembly 194, providingadditional strength for increased weight load capacity withoutintroducing a cross member between the midpoints of the front and rearbottom frame members 116, 118. The absence of a middle cross memberallows for an unobstructed vertical pathway for cable management andcrates an unobstructed airflow passage for airflow and heat managementwithin the cabinet 100. The reinforcement of the cross member 206 canfurther assist in preventing deflection during, e.g., ASCE-7 testing, ULtesting, or the like.

With reference to FIG. 7, the cross member 206 can include an extension232 on an opposing end of the elongated body 208 from the plate 210. Theextension 232 can define a rectangular or square-shaped hollow tubeformed from bent material, such as steel. The extension 232 can includeopenings 234 formed therein for fixedly securing the cross member 206 tothe respective first and second side bottom frame members 120, 122 withfastening members, e.g., screws, or the like. The plate 210 can providereinforcement to the front corner assemblies 194. The cross members 206can further provide reinforcement to the first and second side bottomframe members 120, 122. The additional reinforcement increases thestrength of the frame structure 102, allowing for increased weight loadcapacity without introducing an additional cross member extendingbetween midpoints of the front and rear bottom frame members 116, 118.The absence of a middle cross member allows for an unobstructed verticalpathway for cable management and airflow passage.

Still with reference to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the rear cornerassembly 196 is provided. The rear bottom frame member 118 includes abottom horizontal portion 236, a vertical flange 238 extendingperpendicularly from a front edge of the bottom horizontal portion 236,and a horizontal flange 240 extending perpendicularly from the verticalflange 238 in the direction of the enclosure 132. The bottom horizontalportion 236 can extend the width of the rear bottom frame member 118,while the horizontal flange 240 extends a partial width of the rearbottom frame member 118. The bottom horizontal portion 236 includes aweld opening 242 formed therethrough spaced from each of the edgesadjacent to the respective first and second side bottom frame members120, 122. The weld opening 242 includes a substantially circular centralopening 244 and two or more radially spaced slots 246. The weld opening242 can be configured and dimensioned substantially similarly to theweld opening 214 of the front bottom frame member 116.

The rear corner assembly 196 further includes a plate 248, e.g., anL-shaped plate. The plate 248 can be substantially planar inconfiguration and includes an elongated body 250 with an extension 252.The elongated body 250 can be configured and dimensioned to bepositioned on the bottom horizontal portion 236 and adjacent to theinner surface of the rear bottom frame member 118 and the respectivefirst and second side bottom frame members 120, 122. The elongated body250 of the plate 248 includes a weld opening 254 formed therein. Theweld opening 254 can be substantially similar in configuration anddimension to the weld opening 216 of the cross member 206. Inparticular, the weld opening 254 can include a substantially circularcentral opening 256 and two or more radially spaced slots 258. The weldopening 254 can be dimensioned slightly greater than the weld opening242 of the rear bottom frame member 118 such that a surface of thebottom horizontal portion 236 is exposed through the weld opening 254.In some embodiments, the plate 248 can include an opening 260 formedtherein and spaced from the weld opening 254.

During assembly, the plate 248 can be positioned on the bottomhorizontal portion 236 such that the weld openings 242, 254 are alignedrelative to each other. The extension 252 can be inserted into thecavity within the extension 232 of the cross member 206 to assist insecuring the cross member 206 to the frame structure 102. A weld nut 262can be passed through the weld openings 242, 254 of both the bottomhorizontal portion 236 and the plate 248 (e.g., a double hull structure)and is used to weld the plate 248 to the bottom horizontal portion 236.The larger weld opening 254 exposes a portion of the surface of thebottom horizontal portion 236 therethrough allowing the weld bead tochemically bond the surfaces of the bottom horizontal portion 236 andthe plate 248 together. The plate 248 acts as a secondary reinforcementplate that reinforces the rear corner assembly 196, providing additionalstrength for increased weight load capacity without introducing a crossmember between the midpoints of the front and rear bottom frame members116, 118. The absence of a middle cross member allows for anunobstructed vertical pathway for cable management and creates anunobstructed airflow passage for airflow and heat management within thecabinet 100. The reinforcement of the cross members 206 and/or theplates 248 can further assist in preventing deflection during, e.g.,ASCE-7 testing, UL testing, or the like.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, perspective views of exemplary dividerpanels 264 and side panels 266 are provided. The divider panels 264 canbe detachably secured to the frame structure 102 to extend between thefront and rear top and bottom frame members 116, 118, 124, 126 to dividethe enclosure 132 into two or more enclosures along the depth of thecabinet 100. The side panels 266 can be detachably secured to the sidesand/or rear of the cabinet 100, e.g., the front and rear vertical framemembers 108-114, the bottom and top frame members 116-130, combinationsthereof, or the like. In particular, the side panels 266 can form thesides and/or rear of the cabinet 100 to create the enclosure 132.

With respect to FIG. 8, the divider panel 264 includes a substantiallyplanar structure. The divider panel 264 can be a solid one piece,vertically split, and/or horizontally split. In particular, in someembodiments, the divider panel 264 can be a solid, one piececonstruction that cannot be split vertically or horizontally, and isattached to the frame structure 102 to completely separate the enclosure132.

In some embodiments, the divider panel 264 can include one or morevertical divider joints 268 along which the divider panel 264 can bevertically split. The vertical divider joint 268 can include aninterlocking mechanism that can be used to separate and interlock thefirst and second vertical sides 270, 272 of the divider panel 264relative to each other. In some embodiments, each of the first andsecond vertical sides 270, 272 can be dimensioned as half of the depthof the cabinet 100. In some embodiments, the divider panel 264 caninclude one or more horizontal divider joints 274 along which thedivider panel 264 can be horizontally split. The horizontal dividerjoint 274 can include an interlocking mechanism that can be used toseparate and interlock the first and second horizontal sides 276, 278 ofthe divider panel 264 relative to each other. The divider panel 264 canthereby be used to divide only the desired portion of the enclosure 132,while maintaining a substantially open enclosure 132 in the undividedarea of the cabinet 100.

In some embodiments, the divider panel 264 can include one or moreknockouts 280, 282, e.g., rectangular knockouts, square knockouts,circular knockouts, combinations thereof, or the like, formed therein.The knockouts 280, 282 can be formed via perforated lines in the dividerpanel 264 to allow convenient removal of the knockouts 280, 282 based onthe needs of the user. Thus, for example, the knockouts 280, 282 can beused to connect the opposing sides of the enclosure 132 separated by thedivider panel 264 to allow for passage of cables therebetween and/or forairflow management (e.g., through vent holes).

In some embodiments, the divider panel 264 can include perforations 284(e.g., openings) along all or a portion of the divider panel 264 toallow passage of airflow through the divider panel 264. The perforations284 improve airflow management within the enclosure 132 while providingfor security by maintaining a division of the enclosure 132 with thedivider panel 264. In some embodiments, the divider panel 264 caninclude both solid and perforated portions on the same divider panel 264for controlled airflow through the divider panel 264. As discussedabove, the divider panel 264 can include one or more interlockingmechanisms 286 for detachably securing the divider panel 264 to theframe structure 102. For example, the divider panel 264 can includeinterlocking mechanisms 286 on the top and bottom edges of the dividerpanel 264.

With reference to FIG. 9, the side panel 266 can define a substantiallyplanar structure. In some embodiments, the side panel 266 can includeone or more vertical divider joints 288 for splitting the side panel 266along the height of the side panel 266. In some embodiments, each of thefirst and second vertical sides 292, 294 can be dimensioned as half ofthe depth and/or width of the cabinet 100. Although not illustrated, itshould be understood that the side panel 266 can include one or morehorizontal divider joints, knockouts, vent holes, perforations, orcombinations thereof, similar to those of the divider panel 264. Forexample, the side panel 266 can include openings 296 from whichknockouts have been removed to allow passage of cables through the sidepanel 266. In some embodiments, the side panel 266 can include one ormore vertical and/or horizontal reinforcements 297, e.g., welded instiffeners, that provide rigidity to the side panel 266. The side panel266 can include one or more interlocking mechanisms 290 along the edgesof the side panel 266 to allow interlocking of, e.g., the first andsecond vertical sides 292, 294 relative to each other, the side panel266 to the frame structure 102, combinations thereof, or the like. Insome embodiments, the side panel 266 can include a handle 298 forunlocking the position of the second vertical side 294 from the firstvertical side 292.

The structure of the divider and side panels 264, 266 permitscustomization of the structure and passages of the divider and sidepanels 264, 266, thereby improving cable management, airflow management,or both. For example, one or more parts of the side panel 266 or theentire side panel 266 can be removed from a rear of the cabinet 100 tocreate a common plenum between two or more cabinets 100 positionedadjacent to each other without compromising front-to-rear airflow. Thecommon plenum provides redundancy for the chimney assembly 138 whilenormalizing the pressure and temperature across the row of cabinets 100.In particular, the chimney assemblies 138 at each cabinet 100 can assistin simultaneously venting the enclosures 132 and the common plenumcreates a space in which the airflow from all adjacently positionedcabinets 100 can flow, thereby normalizing the pressure and temperatureacross the row of cabinets 100. Thus, venting or cooling for cabinets100 that require additional airflow management as compared to adjacentlypositioned cabinets 100 can be provided by the equipment and/or chimneyassemblies 138 of the adjacently positioned cabinets 100.

For example, the common plenum can create a pathway for the hot exhaustair to exhaust through any chimney assembly 138 of the row of cabinets100. If one chimney assembly 138 is at a maximum capacity, the exhaustedairflow can migrate to a chimney assembly 138 in the row of cabinets 100that has an unused capacity. The pressure and/or temperature in thecabinets 100 can also be more equally distributed in the common plenumas compared to independent cabinets 100 that have high and lowdensities. For example, in a row of cabinets 100 having a common plenum,a high density cabinet 100 can “borrow” the capacity from a lowerdensity cabinet 100, thereby normalizing the return airflow and moreevenly distributing the negative plenum pressure in the return plenum.Cooling capabilities can therefore be calculated for the entire row ofcabinets 100, e.g., a row level, instead of at the single cabinet 100 orcabinet level, and the overall efficiency of the cooling system can beoptimized.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an exploded, perspective view of an exemplarydoor assembly 300 is provided. The door assembly 300 can be secured tothe frame structure 102 at the front and/or rear of the cabinet 100,e.g., the front vertical frame members 108, 110, the bottom and topfront frame members 116, 124, the rear vertical frame members 112, 114,the bottom and top rear frame members 118, 126, combinations thereof, orthe like. The door assembly 300 can include a door structure 302 and, insome embodiments, insulation material 304.

Thermal imaging of live data centers have shown that IT cabinets aregenerally in a state of high temperature and radiate heat into the datacenter room, thereby contributing to thermal inefficiency. The exemplarydoor assembly 300 can optionally including the insulation material 304,e.g., expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or the like, that can besecured to the inner surfaces of the door structure 302, allowing thedoor assembly 300 to act as an insulator. The door assembly 300 canthereby prevent or reduce the amount of heat retained by and radiatedfrom the cabinet 100 due to the heat generated by the IT equipmentstored therein. Instead, the heat can be passed through the chimneyassembly 138 and out of the cabinet 100.

The door structure 302 can include a first half 306 that can be fixedly(e.g., non-rotatably) secured to the frame structure 102 in a detachablemanner. The door structure 302 further includes a second half 308 thatcan be rotatably secured to the frame structure 102 in a detachablemanner. In some embodiments, rather than a two part door structure 302,the door structure 302 can include a single door that is rotatablysecured to the frame structure 102. The first half 306 of the doorstructure 302 can include one or more interlocking mechanisms disposedaround the perimeter of the first half 306 to allow interlocking of thefirst half 306 to the frame structure 102. The second half 308 of thedoor structure 302 can include two hinges 310 for attachment to theframe structure 102. The door structure 302 further includes a handle312 including a locking mechanism disposed therein. The lockingmechanism allows locking of the second half 308 to the first half 306such that the second half 308 cannot be opened without the necessaryaccess, e.g., keys.

The insulation material 304 can be configured and dimensioned tocorrespond to the shape of the respective door structure 302 components.In particular, the insulation material 304 can include a first half 314and a second half 316. The first half 314 of the insulation material 304can be shaped complementary to the first half 306 of the door structure302. The second half 316 of the insulation material 304 can be shapedcomplementary to the second half 308 of the door structure 302. Thefirst and second halves 314, 316 of the insulation material 304 can bedimensioned slightly smaller than the first and second halves 306, 308of the door structure 302 such that the first and second halves 314, 316can fit within the perimeter on the inner surface 318 of the first andsecond halves 306, 308 of the door structure 302.

In some embodiments, the insulation material 304 can be secured to thedoor structure 302 with, e.g., screws through openings 320 formed in theinsulation material 304, adhesive elements, hook and loop arrangements,or the like. The insulation material 304 can define a substantiallyplanar structure such that when the insulation material 304 is securedto the door structure 302, the space of the enclosure 132 for cablemanagement is not reduced. In some embodiments, the insulation material304 can also be secured to, e.g., the side panels 266, the top panel 136(see FIG. 1), combinations thereof, or the like. However, it should beunderstood that the insulation material 304 can be configured anddimensioned to correspond to the structure of the component on which theinsulation material 304 is installed.

The insulation material 304 improves with heat management in the cabinet100, as well as in data centers having multiple cabinets 100. Theinsulation material 304 can prevent the cabinet 100 from retaining andradiating heat generated by the equipment secured within the cabinet100. In particular, the insulation material 304 can be effective inreducing surface temperature and heat radiation from the walls of thecabinet 100, thereby improving the overall thermal efficiency of thecabinet 100 and/or the data center. For example, the insulation material304 can prevent the steel of the walls of the cabinet 100 from retainingand radiating heat generated by the IT equipment within the cabinet 100,thereby forcing all or the majority of the heat up through the chimneyassembly 138 to a computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit. Thetransfer of all or the majority of heat up through the chimney assembly138 raises the return temperature and the overall CRAC efficiency. Theouter surfaces of the walls of the cabinet 100 can also remainsubstantially cool to the touch due to the lack of heat radiated fromthe IT equipment through the walls of the cabinet 100.

In some embodiments, the insulation material 304 can be in a variety ofcolors and can be fire rated (e.g., a UL 94 V-0 fire rating or greater).In some embodiments, rather than using preformed insulation material304, the door assembly 300 can include insulation material applied as aspray on foam. For example, the insulation material can be sprayed onthe inner surface of the door structure 302 and any other portions ofthe cabinet 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, perspective and side views of anexemplary rail assembly 322 are provided. For clarity, some componentsof the cabinet 100 have been removed from FIGS. 11 and 12 such that thecomponents of the rail assembly 322 can be seen. The rail assembly 322includes a pair of horizontal rails 324 disposed on each side of thecabinet 100. In particular, the horizontal rails 324 are fixedly securedto the frame structure 102 along the inner surface of the first andsecond side bottom frame members 120, 122, respectively, and the innersurface of the first and second side top frame members 128, 130 (seeFIG. 16), respectively. Each horizontal rail 324 includes a channel 326formed therein and extending the length of the horizontal rail 324. Insome embodiments, the horizontal rails 324 can be fabricated from steel,e.g., 12 gauge steel, and can be attached, e.g., directly to the framestructure 102 of a twenty-four inch wide cabinet 100, with a bracket tothe frame structure 102 of a thirty inch or thirty-two inch wide cabinet100, or the like. For example, the brackets can attach to top and bottomportions of each horizontal rail 324.

The rail assembly 322 further includes one or more vertical railassemblies 328 slidably connected to the pair of horizontal rails 324 oneach side of the cabinet 100. Each vertical rail assembly 328 includes avertical rail 330 extending between the top and bottom positionedhorizontal rails 324. The vertical rail assembly 328 further includes anangled flange 332 extending from each of the opposing ends of thevertical rail 330. The angled flange 332 includes an extension 336 witha guide 334, e.g., a spring-loaded guide or bearing, disposed at theend. In some embodiments, the extension 336 can be a screw or a threadedmember with a bearing at the end. The guide 334 can be configured anddimensioned to be slidably positioned within the channel 326 of thehorizontal rail 324. In some embodiments, the guide 334 can definedifferently curved edges 338 along the perimeter to improve the slidingmotion of the guide 334 within the channel 326.

With the top and bottom guides 334 of each vertical rail assembly 328slidably disposed within the respective channel 326 of the top andbottom horizontal rails 324, when unloaded from IT equipment, thevertical rail assembly 328 can be moved or slid freely from the front tothe rear of the cabinet 100 along the horizontal rails 324. Inparticular, as can be seen in FIG. 12, a bottom surface 340 of thevertical rail assembly 328 can be positioned a distance 342 above theframe structure 102, e.g., the cross member 206. In particular, duringthe unloaded status of the vertical rail assembly 328 (e.g., when noequipment or equipment below a predetermined weight is mounted on thevertical rail assembly 328), due to the gap distance 342 between thevertical rail assembly 328 and the frame structure 102, the verticalrail assembly 328 can freely slide along the horizontal rails 324. Thus,in the unloaded status of the vertical rail assembly 328, the distance342 prevents contact between the bottom surface 340 of the vertical railassembly 328 and the cross member 206. The position of the vertical railassembly 328 along the horizontal rails 324 can therefore be adjustedand customized based on the needs of the user. In some embodiments, thedistance 342 can be approximately 0.031 inches or less above the framestructure 102. In some embodiments, the distance 342 can beapproximately 0.187 inches or less above the frame structure 102. Insome embodiments, the distance 342 can be between approximately 0.031inches and approximately 0.187 inches.

When equipment has been mounted to the vertical rail assembly 328 (e.g.,at openings 344 formed in the vertical rails 330) exceeding apredetermined weight, the vertical rail assembly 328 can be forceddownward along the direction 346 into contact with the frame structure102. In particular, the weight of the equipment mounted to the verticalrail assembly 328 can force the bottom surface 340 of the vertical railassembly 328 to come into contact with and abut the cross member 206. Insome embodiments, the vertical rail assembly 328 can accommodate apredetermined amount of weight prior to being forced downward along thedirection 346 into contact with the frame structure 102, therebypreventing the vertical rail assembly 328 from sliding along thehorizontal rails 324. The position of the vertical rail assembly 328 canthereby be adjusted along the horizontal rails 324 while supporting aminimal amount of weight below the predetermined weight limit. In someembodiments, the vertical rail assembly 328 can be forced downward alongthe direction 346 into contact with the frame structure 102 upon beingloaded with any amount of weight, thereby preventing repositioning ofthe vertical rail assembly 328 unless the weight is removed.

Thus, rather than the vertical rail assembly 328 supporting the weightof the equipment mounted in the cabinet 100, the frame structure 102(and specifically the cross member 206) provides additional support tothe load underneath the vertical rail assembly 328. The ability of theframe structure 102 to support the weight load of the equipment mountedto the vertical rail assembly 328 removes or reduces the vertical shearforces at the junction between the horizontal rails 324 and the framestructure 102. In particular, rather than maintaining the weight of thevertical rail assembly 328 and the equipment on the junction pointsbetween the horizontal rails 324 and the frame structure 102, the weightload can be distributed across a greater surface area of the crossmember 206.

Although described as being supported by the cross member 206, in someembodiments, alternative beams of the frame structure 102 can be used tosupport the weight load of the vertical rail assembly 328 and equipment.The ability of the frame structure 102 to support the weight load of theequipment can prevent or reduce deflection of the frame structure 102,the horizontal rails 324, or both, in a populated cabinet 100, therebyincreasing the weight load capability of the cabinet 100. The reinforcedcabinet 100 can therefore house a greater amount of equipment withoutincurring damaging effects due to the increased load. It should beunderstood that to adjust the position of the vertical rail assembly 328along the horizontal rails 324, the equipment can be removed from thevertical rail assembly 328 and the vertical rail assembly 328 can beslid along the horizontal rails 324 in the desired position.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, perspective and exploded views of anexemplary condition monitoring assembly 348 are provided. In particular,FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of an assembled conditionmonitoring assembly 348, and FIG. 14 shows a rear exploded view of thecondition monitoring assembly 348. In some embodiments, the conditionmonitoring assembly 348 can be mounted to an outside surface of theframe structure 102 or to a front door of the cabinet 100 in an areathat would be visible to a user. For example, the condition monitoringassembly 348 can be mounted as a pediment on the top front frame member124 or a front door of the cabinet 100.

The condition monitoring assembly 348 can include a housing 350including a front cover 352 and a rear cover 354. The housing 350 can befabricated from, e.g., any polymer(s), sheet metal, or the like. Thefront cover 352 and the rear cover 354 can be interlocked relative toeach other via a snap fit or screws to form an enclosure 356 in whichelectronic components (such as a printed circuit board (PCB) 358) can beinstalled. The front cover 352 can include a front surface 360 facingaway from the rear cover 354. The front surface 360 can include a logo362 imprinted or etched thereon.

The PCB 358 can include one or more light emitting members 364 (e.g., alight emitting diode (LED), or the like) thereon for emitting one ormore colors of light (e.g., white LED, colored LED, multi-colored LED,LEDs capable of changing colors, or the like). In some embodiments, asingle light emitting member 364 can be adapted for emitting differentcolors of light. The light emitting member 364 can extend from the PCB358 in the direction away from the front cover 352. In some embodiments,the PCB 358 can include a switch 366 for regulating the status of thecondition monitoring assembly 348. The rear cover 354 can includeapertures 368, 370 with which the light emitting members 364 and theswitch 366 can be aligned when the front cover 352, the rear cover 354,and the PCB 358 are assembled. In particular, the switch 366 and thelight emitting member 364 can remain positioned within the enclosure 356and do not extend from the apertures 368, 370. In some embodiments, theswitch 366 can be actuated through the aperture 370 by reaching throughthe aperture 370 with, e.g., a screwdriver. When the light emittingmember 364 is activated into the “ON” position, a light can be emittedfrom the light emitting member 364 at the rear of the conditionmonitoring assembly 348.

The PCB 358 can be electrically and communicatively connected (wired,wirelessly, or both) to data center infrastructure management (DCIM), apower distribution unit (PDU), or both. In some embodiments, the PCB 358can be powered by a self-sensing power supply that is electricallyconnected to the PDU. In some embodiments, the DCIM can beelectronically and communicatively connected (wired, wirelessly, orboth) to the PDU. The DCIM can include, e.g., software, hardware,processing devices, a graphical user interface, sensors 372,combinations thereof, or the like. For example, one or more sensors 372(e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, combinations thereof, or thelike) can be disposed within the enclosure 132 of the cabinet 100 and/orwithin the chimney assembly 138 (see FIG. 1). Although illustrated inspecific positions within the enclosure 132, it should be understoodthat the sensors 372 can be positioned in alternative locations withinthe enclosure 132. In particular, the sensors 372 can be positionedwithin the enclosure 132 to accurately measure, e.g., temperature,pressure, or both, within the enclosure 132 and/or the chimney assembly138, and send signals to the PCB 358 regarding the measured conditionswithin the enclosure 132 and/or the chimney assembly 138.

As an example, when the condition monitoring assembly 348 is mounted tothe cabinet 100, the rear cover 354 can be positioned adjacent to thecabinet 100 while the front cover 352 faces away from the cabinet 100.Upon receiving signals regarding the measured conditions within theenclosure 132, the PCB 358 can send appropriate signals to the light 366such that the light 366 can be actuated into an “ON” position in theappropriate color. For example, a green light can represent normalconditions (e.g., temperature and/or pressure within the desired range),an orange light can represent moderate conditions (e.g., temperatureand/or pressure above the desired range but below critical values thatshould be monitored and corrected in the near future), and a red lightcan represent critical conditions (e.g., temperature and/or pressureabove the moderate condition values that require immediate correction).In some embodiments, the condition monitoring assembly 348 can includetwo or more rows of pads, each row being adapted to receive any colorlight 366, e.g., LED, or the like. Thus, a variety of light combinationsand/or colors can be used to represent the conditions within theenclosure 132.

It should be understood that more than three different colors can beused to represent different conditions within the enclosure 132. In someembodiments, different lights or light combinations can be used torepresent temperature and pressure conditions. As the pressure and/ortemperature changes within the enclosure 132, the sensors 372 can detectthe change and send signals to the PCB 358 for maintaining or changingthe light emitted. Real-time conditions within the enclosure 132 cantherefore be provided to the user.

In some embodiments, the light emitting member 364 can be actuated toblink in various patterns to represent certain conditions within theenclosure 132. The light from the light emitting member 364 can passthrough the aperture 368 and illuminate the rear of the conditionmonitoring assembly 348, thereby acting as a back light. In particular,the light emitting from the light emitting member 364 can reflect fromthe cabinet 100 and spread beyond the perimeter of the housing 350 toprovide a visual indicator to a user regarding the conditions within thecabinet 100. In some embodiments, the condition monitoring assembly 348can include an audio indicator to indicate certain conditions within theenclosure 132, e.g., emergency situations, or the like. Although thecondition monitoring assembly 348 can be used in combination with aremote monitoring system (e.g., a graphical user interface that providesinformation on conditions based on signals received from the sensors372), the visual indicator can provide accurate and immediateinformation to a user walking through a data center with variouscabinets 100 positioned therein. The sensed conditions within theenclosure 132 provide information regarding the measured performance ofthe cabinet 100, cooling equipment associated with the cabinet 100, orboth. Problematic conditions within cabinets 100 can therefore beimmediately detected and resolved.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded, perspective view of an alternative exemplarycondition monitoring assembly 374. The condition monitoring assembly 374also includes a housing 376. The housing 376 includes a front cover 378and a rear cover 380 that can be interlocked to define an enclosure 382therein. The enclosure 382 can be configured and dimensioned to receivetherein a printed circuit board (PCB) 384. As noted above, the PCB 384can be electrically and communicatively connected (wired, wirelessly, orboth) to the DCIM, the PDU, or both.

The rear cover 380 can include apertures 386, 388 configured anddimensioned to allow access to a controller 390 and a switch 392 on thePCB 384, respectively. The PCB 384 can include one or more lightemitting members 394 (e.g., LED light(s)) on the side opposing thecontroller 390 and switch 392. The light emitting members 394 can beadapted to emit a single color, a combination of colors, patterns ofemitting light, changes in colors, or the like, based on signalsreceived by the PCB 384 from the sensors 372 disposed within theenclosure 132. The front cover 378 includes a display 396 formedtherein. The display 396 can be aligned with the row of light emittingmembers 394 on the PCB 384 such that one or more light emitting members394 actuated into the “ON” position can be clearly visible through thedisplay 396.

In some embodiments, the display 396 can be in the form of a window cutout of the front cover 378 including a transparent or translucent coverto protect the PCB 384. In some embodiments, the display 396 can be inthe form of a transparent or translucent portion of the material formingthe front cover 378. In some embodiments, the display 396 can be in theform of one or more apertures formed in the front cover 378, each of theapertures being aligned with the respective light emitting members 394.In some embodiments, the sensors 372 can send signals to the PCB 384 ona scheduled basis, e.g., every thirty seconds, every minute, every fiveminutes, every ten minutes, every thirty minutes, or the like. Similarto the condition monitoring assembly 348, the condition monitoringassembly 374 can provide a substantially real-time visual indication ofthe conditions within the enclosure 132 based on the signals receivedfrom the sensors 372.

Turning now to FIGS. 16-23, perspective and top views of the top frameassembly 106 with an exemplary top panel 136 are provided indisassembled, partially assembled, and assembled configurations. Forclarity, some components of the cabinet 100 have been removed to assistin visualizing the complementary components of the top frame assembly106 and the top panel 136.

Cable entry or egress through the top panel 136 can be variable anddependent on the application of the cabinet 100. For example, serverapplications can require openings in the rear of the cabinet 100, whilenetwork applications can require openings in the front of the cabinet100. If patching of cables is necessary, cabling is traditionally routedto the front and then to the rear of the patch panels in the cabinet100, resulting in tension at the termination point and introducing apotential failure point in the network. Custom top panels are thereforetraditionally required based on the application.

In contrast, as will be described in greater detail below, the exemplarytop panel 136 can be attached to and removed from the frame structure102 without additional tools, and can be rotated 180 degrees tocustomize the cabinet 100 for various cable management applications. Thevariable positioning of the top panel 136 provides greater functionalityfor cable entry or egress, resulting in improved cable management. Theimproved cable management can remove or reduce stress in the connectionpoint of the network and improves network performance by removing thetight bend radius and potential failure points associated withtraditional cable management panels. Although illustrated as including asingle top panel 136 extending across substantially half of the depth ofthe cabinet 100, in some embodiments, the cabinet 100 can include twotop panels 136 adjacently positioned to cover substantially all of thetop surface of the cabinet 100.

With respect to FIG. 16, a perspective view of the top frame assembly106 is provided. As noted previously, the top frame assembly 106includes the horizontal rail 324 of the rail assembly 322 secured to theinner surface of the first side top frame member 128 between the frontand rear top frame members 124, 126. A similar horizontal rail 324 canbe secured to the inner surface of the second side top frame member 130between the front and rear top frame members 124, 126. The inner surfaceof the first and second side top frame members 128, 130 includes aninterlocking frame section 398. In some embodiments, the interlockingframe section 398 can be formed directly in the first and second sidetop frame members 128, 130. In some embodiments, the interlocking framesection 398 can be formed separately from the first and second side topframe members 128 and can be secured to the respective first and secondside top frame members 128 by, e.g., fasteners, welding, or the like.

The interlocking frame section 398 is disposed above the horizontal rail324. In particular, the bottom edge of the interlocking frame section398 can be adjacent or spaced from the horizontal rail 324 and the topedge of the interlocking frame section 398 does not extend beyond theplane defined by the top of the top frame assembly 106. The interlockingframe section 398 includes a first central guide 400 and a secondcentral guide 402 (e.g., hook-shaped or L-shaped slots or passages) in aspaced and opposing relation at a central portion 404 of theinterlocking frame section 398. Each of the first and second centralguides 400, 402 includes an inlet end 406, 408 at or near the bottomedge of the interlocking frame section 398, and an inner endpoint 410,412. The inlet ends 406, 408 can face in a downward direction and eachof the first and second central guides 400, 402 can extend in thedirection of the central portion 404. Thus, the first and second centralguides 400, 402 extend towards each other and remain in spaced relation.As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first and secondcentral guides 400, 402 can be configured and dimensioned to receive apin of the top panel 136 therein.

The interlocking frame section 398 further includes a first endpointguide 414 disposed in a spaced relation from one endpoint of theinterlocking frame section 398, and a second endpoint guide 416 disposedin a spaced relation from an opposing endpoint of the interlocking framesection 398. Each of the first and second endpoint guides 414, 416includes an inlet end 418, 420 at or near the bottom edge of theinterlocking frame section 398, and an inner endpoint 422, 424. Theinlet ends 418, 420 can extend and face in a downward direction, and theinner endpoints 422, 424 can extend away from each other, e.g., in adirection away from the central portion 404. As will be discussed ingreater detail below, the first and second endpoint guides 414, 416 canbe configured and dimensioned to receive a pin of the top panel 136therein.

With reference to FIG. 17, a perspective view of the top frame assembly106 and the top panel 136 in a disassembled configuration is provided.It is noted that the second side top frame member 130 has been removedfor visibility of both of the interlocking frame sections 398. The toppanel 136 defines a depth substantially equal to approximately half ofthe depth of the top frame assembly 106 (e.g., an opening defined by thetop frame assembly 106), and further defines a width substantially equalto the width of the top frame assembly 106. In some embodiments, the toppanel 136 can define a depth substantially equal to the depth of the topframe assembly 106 (e.g., the opening defined by the top frame assembly106) such that the top panel 136 can cover the entire opening of the topframe assembly 106. In some embodiments, the top frame assembly 106 canbe covered by two or more top panels 136. The top panel 136 can define asubstantially planar form. In some embodiments, the top panel 136 can befabricated from steel. In some embodiments, the top panel 136 caninclude insulation material attached to an inner surface.

The perimeter of the top panel 136 includes an outer edge 426, an inneredge 428, a first side edge 430, and a second side edge 432. The toppanel 136 includes a pin 434, 436 formed on the first and second sideedges 430, 432 and spaced from the inner edge 428. In particular, thepins 434, 436 can be disposed near the intersection of the inner edge428 and the respective first and second side edges 430, 432. The pins434, 436 can protrude outwardly beyond the edge of the first and secondside edges 430, 432 and can be configured and dimensioned to passthrough the first and second central guides 400 of the interlockingframe sections 398. The pins 434, 436 can be solid pins, e.g., notspring-loaded or depressible.

The top panel 136 further includes a pin 438, 440 formed on the firstand second side edges 430, 432 and spaced from the outer edge 426. Inparticular, the pins 438, 440 can be disposed near the intersection ofthe outer edge 426 and the respective first and second side edges 430,432. The pins 438, 440 can protrude outwardly beyond the edge of thefirst and second side edges 430, 432 and can be configured anddimensioned to pass through the first and second endpoint guides 414 ofthe interlocking frame sections 398. The pins 438, 440 can bespring-loaded such that the pins 438, 440 can be depressed into the bodyof the top panel 136 and, upon release, automatically extend outwardlyfrom the first and second side edges 430, 432.

In some embodiments, the top panel 136 can include a grommet 442, 444formed on each of the first and second side edges 430, 432 and extendinginto the body of the top panel 136. The grommets 442, 444 can include awebbing of elongated members 446, 448, e.g., fingers, extending indirections parallel to the inner and outer edges 428, 426 of the topplate 136. The elongated members 446, 448 can be separated byperforations 450, 452. The edges of the elongated members 446, 448 canextend beyond the perimeter of the first and second edges 430, 432 suchthat when the top panel 136 is interlocked relative to the top frameassembly 106, the edges of the elongated members 446, 448 can rest ontop of the top frame assembly 106, e.g., the first and second side topframe members 128, 130, to prevent sagging of the grommet 136.

The elongated members 446, 448 can be individually separated from thetop panel 136 at the perforations 450, 452 to allow for passage ofcables through the grommet 442, 444 and into the enclosure 132. Theability to individually separate the elongated members 446, 448 allowsfor customization of the opening in the top panel 136 based on thedifferently sized cable bundles to be used, while simultaneouslymaintaining a substantially tight seal of the passage in the top panel136. In some embodiments, the grommets 442, 444 can be molded from asoft durometer material that facilitates airflow therethrough whilepreventing particulates from entering the enclosure 132 of the cabinet100.

FIGS. 18-20 show the initial steps for interlocking the top panel 136with the top frame assembly 106 and, in particular, with theinterlocking frame sections 398. Although illustrated as beinginterlocked relative to a front half of the top frame assembly 106(e.g., first central and endpoint guides 400, 414), it should beunderstood that the top panel 136 can be rotated approximately 180degrees and interlocked relative to a rear half of the top frameassembly 106 (second central and endpoint guides 402, 416).

From within the enclosure 132, the pins 434, 436 can be passed into thefirst central guides 404 through the inlet ends 406 of the interlockingframe sections 398 on either side of the top frame assembly 106. Thepins 434, 436 can be pushed through the first central guides 404 up tothe inner endpoints 410. While positioned within the inner endpoints 410of the first central guides 404, the pins 434, 436 can act as hingesabout which the top plate 136 can rotate.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the pins 438, 440 can be depressedand the top panel 136 can be rotated to substantially align with theplane defined by the top frame assembly 106. In addition, the top panel136 can be rotated to align the pins 438, 440 with the first endpointguides 414 on opposing sides of the top frame assembly 106. Upon releaseof the pins 438, 440, the pins 438, 440 can extend outwardly and intothe inner endpoints 422 of the first endpoint guides 414. The positionof the pins 434, 436, 438, 440 within the inner endpoints 410, 422 ofthe first central and endpoint guides 400, 414 prevents movement of thetop panel 136.

FIG. 23 shows the top panel 136 in a fully interlocked configurationrelative to the top frame assembly 106. In particular, the top panel 136is detachably interlocked relative to the top frame assembly 106 andcovers approximately half of the opening formed by the top frameassembly 106. The endpoints of the elongated members 444 can beconfigured to rest on top of the top frame assembly 106 to preventsagging of the top panel 136. Specifically, the top frame assembly 106can provide support to the top panel 136. Positioning of the elongatedmembers 448 on top of the top frame assembly 106 can further ensure asubstantially air-tight seal between the top panel 136 and the top frameassembly 106, thereby improving airflow management within the cabinet100. To remove the top panel 136 from the top frame assembly 106, thepins 438, 440 can be depressed, the top panel 136 can be swung downwardand out of the first endpoint guides 414, and the pins 434, 436 can beslid out of the first central guides 400.

As noted above, the position of the top panel 136 can be customizedbased on the needs of the user. For example, the top panel 136 can beunlocked from the front half of the top frame assembly 106, rotatedapproximately 180 degrees, and interlocked with the rear half of the topframe assembly 106, thereby maintaining an open passage into theenclosure through the top frame assembly 106. The assembly anddisassembly of the top panel 136 relative to the top frame assembly 106can therefore be performed without additional tools and allows forconvenient customization of the cabinet 100.

In particular, the versatility of the position of the top panel 136provides the ability to have cabling enter the enclosure 132 towards thecenter of the cabinet 100 for network applications. The customizable toppanel 136 also allows cabling to enter the enclosure 132 behind patchpanels in the cabinet 100 for terminating. The ability to customizeopenings into the enclosure 132 from the top frame assembly 106 removesthe tension created by tight bend radii at the connection points (e.g.,potential failure points) generally associated with cables entering thefront of the cabinet 100 and being routed behind the patch panels. Thetop panel 136 advantageously allows bringing large bundles of cablinginto the cabinet 100 at various locations in the top panel 136 by movingthe opening for the cables without creating a custom top panel 136. Inparticular, rather than creating a custom top panel 136 with the desiredopenings for cables, the top panel 136 can be moved and/or the elongatedmembers 444 can be removed to create the desired openings in the sametop panel 136. The top panel 136 can therefore be customized to provideadvantageous cable entry or egress, resulting in improved cablemanagement.

The exemplary cabinet 100 and associated components discussed hereintherefore provide a means to customize the cabinet 100 for a variety ofuser needs. The cabinet 100 further includes features that improveairflow within the cabinet and improve cable management capabilities.The advantageous variability of the cabinet 100 provides the ability tomanage a large number of cables within the cabinet 100, whilemaintaining the desired conditions within the cabinet 100.

Although the equipment cabinets and methods of the present disclosurehave been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, thepresent disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and/orimplementations. Rather, the equipment cabinets and methods of thepresent disclosure are susceptible to many implementations andapplications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the artfrom the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompassessuch modifications, enhancements and/or variations of the disclosedembodiments. Since many changes could be made in the above constructionand many widely different embodiments of this disclosure could be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all mattercontained in the drawings and specification shall be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications,changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure.Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construedbroadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An equipment cabinet, comprising: a framestructure, the frame structure including a top frame assembly and abottom frame assembly; interlocking frame sections formed in or mountedto the top frame assembly, the frame structure and the interlockingframe sections defining an enclosure; and a top panel configured anddimensioned to detachably interlock to the interlocking frame sections;wherein in a first configuration, the top panel is positioned in a firstorientation and detachably interlocks with the interlocking framesections to cover a first half of an opening formed by the top frameassembly, while maintaining a second half of the opening formed by thetop frame assembly as an open passage into the enclosure; and wherein ina second configuration, the top panel is rotated from the firstorientation into a second orientation and detachably interlocks with theinterlocking frame sections to cover the second half of the openingformed by the top frame assembly, while maintaining the first half ofthe opening formed by the top frame assembly as an open passage into theenclosure.
 2. The equipment cabinet of claim 1, wherein each of theinterlocking frame sections comprises a first central guide and a secondcentral guide including inlet ends and inner endpoints.
 3. The equipmentcabinet of claim 2, wherein the inner endpoints of the first and secondcentral guides are oriented to face each other and a central portion ofthe interlocking frame sections.
 4. The equipment cabinet of claim 1,wherein each of the interlocking frame sections comprises a firstendpoint guide and a second endpoint guide including inlet ends andinner endpoints.
 5. The equipment cabinet of claim 4, wherein the innerendpoints of the first and second endpoint guides are oriented to faceaway from each other and from a central portion of the interlockingframe sections.
 6. The equipment cabinet of claim 1, wherein the toppanel comprises an outer edge, an inner edge, a first side edge, and asecond side edge, and wherein the top panel comprises a non-depressiblepin extending from the first and second side edges spaced from andadjacent to the inner edge.
 7. The equipment cabinet of claim 6, whereinthe top panel comprises a depressible pin extending from the first andsecond side edges spaced from and adjacent to the outer edge.
 8. Theequipment cabinet of claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises a grommetincluding elongated members separated by perforations.
 9. A method ofequipment cabinet assembly, comprising: providing an equipment cabinet,the equipment cabinet including (i) a frame structure, the framestructure including a top frame assembly and a bottom frame assembly,(ii) interlocking frame sections formed in or mounted to the top frameassembly, the frame structure and the interlocking frame sectionsdefining an enclosure, and (iii) a top panel configured and dimensionedto detachably interlock to the interlocking frame sections; in a firstconfiguration, positioning the top panel in a first orientation anddetachably interlocking the top panel with the interlocking framesections to cover a first half of an opening formed by the top frameassembly, while maintaining a second half of the opening formed by thetop frame assembly as an open passage into the enclosure; and in asecond configuration, rotating the top panel from the first orientationinto a second orientation and detachably interlocking the top panel withthe interlocking frame sections to cover the second half of the openingformed by the top frame assembly, while maintaining the first half ofthe opening formed by the top frame assembly as an open passage into theenclosure.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the interlockingframe sections comprises a first central guide, a second central guide,a first endpoint guide, and a second endpoint guide, wherein the toppanel comprises a non-depressible pin extending from a first side edgeand a second side edge spaced from and adjacent to an inner edge of thetop panel, and wherein the top panel comprises a depressible pinextending from the first and second side edges spaced from and adjacentto an outer edge of the top panel.
 11. The method of claim 10,comprising interlocking the non-depressible pins with the first centralguides of the interlocking frame sections.
 12. The method of claim 11,comprising depressing the depressible pins and interlocking thedepressible pins with the first endpoint guides of the interlockingframe sections.
 13. The method of claim 9, comprising individuallyseparating elongated members of a grommet of the top panel to createopenings in the top panel.
 14. An equipment cabinet, comprising: a framestructure, the frame structure including a top frame assembly and abottom frame assembly, the frame structure defining an enclosure; and adivider panel configured to be detachably secured to the frame structureto separate the enclosure, the divider panel extending and separatingthe enclosure from the top frame assembly to the bottom frame assembly;wherein the divider panel includes (i) a vertical joint along which thedivider panel can be split, and (ii) a horizontal joint along which thedivider panel can be split.
 15. The equipment cabinet of claim 14,wherein the divider panel comprises an interlocking mechanism along atleast one of the vertical joint or the horizontal joint for splittingand joining the divider panel along the vertical joint or the horizontaljoint.
 16. The equipment cabinet of claim 14, wherein the divider panelcomprises removable knockouts configured to be selectively removed fromthe divider panel.
 17. The equipment cabinet of claim 14, comprisingperforations along all or a portion of the divider panel adapted forpassage of airflow therethrough.
 18. The equipment cabinet of claim 14,comprising a side panel configured to be detachably secured to a side ofthe frame structure to enclose the enclosure, the side panel including avertical joint along which the side panel can be split.
 19. Theequipment cabinet of claim 14, comprising a door assembly including adoor structure and insulating material attached to an inner surface ofthe door structure.
 20. A method of equipment cabinet assembly,comprising: providing an equipment cabinet, the equipment cabinetincluding (i) a frame structure, the frame structure including a topframe assembly and a bottom frame assembly, the frame structure definingan enclosure, and (ii) a divider panel; and detachably securing thedivider panel to the frame structure to separate the enclosure, thedivider panel extending and separating the enclosure from the top frameassembly to the bottom frame assembly; wherein the divider panelincludes (i) a vertical joint along which the divider panel can besplit, and (ii) a horizontal joint along which the divider panel can besplit.